We were lucky to catch up with Anna Sharp recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Anna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I’ll admit I’m not much of a risk taker. I would rather be overprepared and 30 minutes early, than even a minute late, but I think that’s what makes me a great entrepreneur. It’s not only the work you do for your clients, but the impression you leave. That being said, opening a studio at the height of the pandemic was definitely a risk, but the creativity it allowed me, during a very lonely time, kept me sane and I was able to hone my craft in a way I never had before. I’d always shared studio space with other photographers, but having my own space opened the flood gates of creativity and led to MORE risk taking. I’ve tried new lighting systems and styles and am able to experiment artistically in ways I was honestly afraid to even attempt before. Each risk that turns into an accomplishment just solidifies how much we’re capable of when not frozen by fear or indecision.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name’s Anna Sharp, I’m a photographer based in the Southern Ohio region, and travel all over photographing people, weddings, and just about anything else you can think of. I’ve been shooting professionally for over a decade, and absolutely love what I do. Though I’m originally from the Cincinnati suburbs (go Deer Park Wildcats!), I moved to Highland County in 2017 and bought property with my husband, Ben. Together we run Sharp Little Farm. We’ve spent the last 5 years fixing it up and now have a flock of about 50 Katahdin sheep on the property! At the end of 2020, I opened a studio in the Hillsboro Historic District and there’s been no looking back. I love having a space where I can make a mess and get creative!
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Though I do spend money advertising on Facebook, Google, Instagram, Wedding Wire and The Knot, I still believe there’s nothing like a word-of-mouth recommendation. Those are the people who come back year after year. But to get those recommendations, you’ve got to go the extra mile. One does not just simply deliver beautiful photos that capture a client’s family or a couple’s wedding day. With weddings specifically, I spend time with my couples long before their big day. Capturing engagement portraits, helping with Save-the-dates, and making sure they have a wedding day timeline or pitching in when needed to create one. They’ll know what portraits and group photos they want captured before the day begins, so there’s no worries about missing something. On the day of, I’ll work side-by-side with the DJ, videographer, and the venue coordinator to ensure everything runs as smoothly and on time as possible. It’s the extra effort I’d want from a photographer, and I try to give that level of attention to every client even for something as simple as a headshot.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I’m a trichster, which is how some of us with Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) affectionately refer to ourselves. I was the weird bald kid who couldn’t stop pulling their hair out. The bullying I endured in school and the “discipline” my father enacted on me in the name of teaching me better habits only made it worse. It was the 90’s, no one knew what to do with me. Thankfully a few good people showed me that keeping my hands busy was a great way to keep them out of my hair. I learned how to crochet, took up the flute, and taught myself the alphabet in sign language. My hair started to grow. I can still remember the first time I rolled down the backseat window of our family’s burgundy Subaru and felt my hair in my eyes. I now have a full head of hair and you wouldn’t know I still have trouble from time to time by looking at me, but I think (hope) my journey has made me a more empathetic person and it’s my goal to bring that into every portrait session I shoot.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.goanamedia.com
- Instagram: @goanamedia
- Facebook: facebook.com/anamedia
- Other: info@goanamedia.com